BLUE CRABS SPLIT DOUBLEHEADER WITH SOMERSET

(Waldorf, MD., May 13, 2017) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (11-11) lost game one of a Saturday doubleheader 8-2, before knocking off the Somerset Patriots (15-7) 8-3 in the second of the seven-inning games..

The Blue Crabs debuted two new starting pitchers in the doubleheader, sending southpaw Pat McCoy (0-1) to the mound for the first matchup. McCoy struggled early, giving up three runs in the top of the first, with the big blow coming on a two-out homerun from Jerry Sands. Southern Maryland answered with a homerun of their own, when Jose Lozada jumped on a fastball, pulling it to deep right field, and bringing the score to 3-1.

The Blue Crabs added another run in the second, when a Mike Blanke single plated Zach Cone, cutting the deficit to just one run. The Patriots extended their lead in the fourth inning, after an error from shortstop Edwin Garcia cost two runs, putting the Blue Crabs behind 5-2. Somerset added on again in the top of the seventh, scoring three more and solidifying the game one victory.

The loss dropped the Blue Crabs one game under .500, but they took advantage of the opportunity to get back in game two. Starter Drew Hayes headed to the mound, looking to get a split on the day for his new team. Hayes started out strong in his debut, before struggling for the first time in the fourth inning. He gave up three straight singles to lead off the frame, with Justin Pacchioli and Olmo Roasrio scoring, putting the Patriots on the board first again.

Southern Maryland responded immediately, putting up three runs of their own in the bottom of the inning, to take their first lead of the day. Jose Lozada started the inning with a walk, but looked like he might be stranded on second before a two-out home run by Cory Vaughn tied the game at 2-2. Vaughn’s roommate Zach Cone followed his lead, going back-to-back, and putting the Blue Crabs ahead 3-2.

“I’m starting to get myself in the right mindset at the plate, getting out in front of pitches and making solid contact on the ball,” said Vaughn. “It’s a constant battle out there to stay in front of pitchers and get the pitches I want, but things are starting to click for everyone in the lineup, tonight it was my turn.”

After Jesse Beal (2-0) worked a scoreless top of the fifth, the Blue Crabs bats came to life in the bottom of the inning. After an error from the Somerset shortstop loaded the bases, Zach Wilson hit his second grand slam of the week to open the lead. Vaughn followed Wilson, hitting a solo shot to deep left field, his second of the game, and bringing the score to 8-2.

Somerset added another run in the top of the sixth, when Pacchioli scored his fourth run of the game. However, the Patriots went down in order in the seventh, when closer Cody Eppley came in and locked down the 8-3 victory. The win moved the Blue Crabs back to .500, sitting at 11-11 on the season, and trailing the Sugar Land Skeeters by just 1.5 games in the Freedom Division.

“This was a big win, to be able to split the series openers after waiting on the weather to clear for so long,” said Manager John Harris. “I think our guys looked good today, both on the mound and at the plate. We will only continue to improve as the season progresses, and we showed tonight that we are a dangerous team.”

The Blue Crabs return to action Sunday, May 14th for another doubleheader against the Somerset Patriots. Southern Maryland will send RHP Daryl Thompson (1-2, 2.37 ERA) to the mound, looking to take the series lead in game one. He will matchup with Somerset’s RHP Mitch Atkins (2-1, 3.38 ERA), making his fifth start of the year for the Patriots. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 P.M. on Sunday at Regency Furniture Stadium, as the Blue Crabs celebrate Mother’s Day at the ballpark.

For more information on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, or to reserve your seat for any of the Blue Crabs upcoming home games, please visit our website at somdbluecrabs.com or call us at 301-638-9788.

About the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs: The Blue Crabs play 140 regular season games in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs. The Blue Crabs play at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland with affordable family fun. The franchise will open its 10th anniversary season on Thursday April 20, 2017. Please call 301-638-9788 or visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.com for more information and to reserve your seat at the ballpark today!

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB): The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.